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We deliver the necessary intelligence, technology and decision support that enables clients to prepare for, monitor and respond to threats that could impact their people or operations across the world.

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WorldAware provides world-class risk management technology to keep you and your personnel confident, safe, and more productive by providing the information you need, when you need it.

Who We Are

We deliver the necessary intelligence, technology and decision support that enables clients to prepare for, monitor and respond to threats that could impact their people or operations across the world.

Resources

We deliver the necessary intelligence, technology and decision support that enables clients to prepare for, monitor and respond to threats that could impact their people or operations across the world.

Main navigation

Header Menu

We deliver the necessary intelligence, technology and decision support that enables clients to prepare for, monitor and respond to threats that could impact their people or operations across the world.

Products and Services

WorldAware provides world-class risk management technology to keep you and your personnel confident, safe, and more productive by providing the information you need, when you need it.

Who We Are

We deliver the necessary intelligence, technology and decision support that enables clients to prepare for, monitor and respond to threats that could impact their people or operations across the world.

Resources

We deliver the necessary intelligence, technology and decision support that enables clients to prepare for, monitor and respond to threats that could impact their people or operations across the world.

Listeria: a Product Recall Risk in Food Industry

Listeria (L. monocytogenes) poses a serious threat to the global food industry. Most notably, recent Listeria foodborne disease outbreaks have resulted in nine deaths across Europe and 208 deaths in South Africa.

In light of the threat posed by Listeria associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, draft guidelines have been published by the FDA that include a risk-based approach to identifying and controlling the presence of harmful bacteria such as L.monocytogenes.

Risks of Listeria

Listeria is widespread in the environment. If infected by this type of bacteria, individuals often develop a disease known as listeriosis. Healthy individuals who develop listeriosis may remain symptom-free or, in some cases, may develop mild flu-like or gastroenteritis-like symptoms. Of greater concern are vulnerable individuals with a weakened immune system. Hospitalization is common, and with pregnant women, there is a danger that the fetus will also become infected.

The outbreak is a good reminder of the importance of consumer safety, and that leadership plays a critical role in developing and supporting a food safety culture. It’s essential for food facilities to have an effective crisis management plan in place, including an action plan for the surveillance, monitoring, and control of Listeria within the facility.

How to Address Listeria Risk in Business Operations

On an ongoing basis, food companies that deal with RTE foods should consider the following aspects of their business operations:

Incoming MaterialsEnsurethat all incoming materials are free from contamination and have been purchased from a reputable supplier.

Facility Location, Design, and StructureConsider the design and flow of the processing operation to ensure that it is conducive to delivering food products free from contamination.

Equipment DesignUnderstand the type and location of pieces of equipment throughout the production process as the equipment itself can contribute to issues controlling Listeria within the food facility.

Cleaning and Sanitation Employ a well-established cleaning program to combat the potential threat of Listeria. Factors which require consideration include: staff training, SOPs, chemical agents, and documentation of cleaning in accordance with pre-established cleaning schedules.

Equipment MaintenanceSchedule and record the cleaning (including wet and dry techniques), maintenance, and repair of all equipment.

Staff Hygiene
Train all staff, including non-food handlers, to follow good personal hygiene practices. Awareness of food handler activities which may give rise to the presence of Listeria must be highlighted as part of the staff training program. This is particularly important for workers employed in high-risk food areas.